US20080193613A1 - Square bottom taco shell - Google Patents
Square bottom taco shell Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080193613A1 US20080193613A1 US12/148,451 US14845108A US2008193613A1 US 20080193613 A1 US20080193613 A1 US 20080193613A1 US 14845108 A US14845108 A US 14845108A US 2008193613 A1 US2008193613 A1 US 2008193613A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- taco shell
- taco
- shell
- millimeters
- base
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A21—BAKING; EDIBLE DOUGHS
- A21C—MACHINES OR EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING OR PROCESSING DOUGHS; HANDLING BAKED ARTICLES MADE FROM DOUGH
- A21C15/00—Apparatus for handling baked articles
- A21C15/02—Apparatus for shaping or moulding baked wafers; Making multi-layer wafer sheets
- A21C15/025—Apparatus for shaping or moulding baked wafers, e.g. to obtain cones for ice cream
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A21—BAKING; EDIBLE DOUGHS
- A21D—TREATMENT, e.g. PRESERVATION, OF FLOUR OR DOUGH, e.g. BY ADDITION OF MATERIALS; BAKING; BAKERY PRODUCTS; PRESERVATION THEREOF
- A21D13/00—Finished or partly finished bakery products
- A21D13/30—Filled, to be filled or stuffed products
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A21—BAKING; EDIBLE DOUGHS
- A21D—TREATMENT, e.g. PRESERVATION, OF FLOUR OR DOUGH, e.g. BY ADDITION OF MATERIALS; BAKING; BAKERY PRODUCTS; PRESERVATION THEREOF
- A21D13/00—Finished or partly finished bakery products
- A21D13/40—Products characterised by the type, form or use
- A21D13/42—Tortillas
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an edible food shell. More specifically, the present invention relates to a taco shell.
- a conventional taco shell is formed by placing a circular tortilla in a U-shaped mold.
- the tortillas used for conventional tacos are typically between 5.0 and 7.5 inches in diameter. Once the tortilla has taken on the shape of the mold, the tortilla is made generally rigid by baking or deep fat frying.
- the resulting taco shell 10 is U-shaped when viewed from the end (see FIG. 1 ).
- a conventional taco shell 10 will have a pair of opposed sidewalls 15 that are interconnected by a generally semi-circular or round base 20 .
- each sidewall 15 diverges from the vertical centerline of the shell 10 by approximately 25 degrees, as indicated by angle “A” in FIG. 1 .
- the top edge 25 of each sidewall 15 is free of connection to the opposing sidewall 15 , creating the open end 30 of the shell 10 .
- the sidewalls 15 and base 20 define a cavity 35 in which taco filling (e.g., lettuce, beans, cheese, cooked meat or poultry or the like) is placed.
- the base 20 of the conventional taco shell 10 is relatively narrow as compared to the height of the shell 10 .
- the conventional taco shell's configuration and narrow base 20 prevent taco consumers from filling the cavity 35 with preferred amounts of meat without overly limiting the space available for other types of taco filling. For example, if a consumer puts in more than minor amounts of meat, the remaining space within the cavity 35 is insufficient to allow the inclusion of adequate amounts of other available fillings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, etc.
- the narrow base 20 prevents a utensil (e.g., a spoon) from being placed near the base of the taco shell 10 when used to fill the taco shell 10 with meat or other filling.
- the shell 10 tends to fail at the base 20 . When this occurs, the shell 10 no longer retains the taco filling. Consequently, the taco filling, especially the liquid elements like taco sauce and meat juices, escape from the taco shell 10 making a mess.
- the narrow, rounded base 20 prevents the taco shell 10 from being stable in an upright position. Consequently, when not being held, a conventional taco shell 10 must be laid on its side to prevent the shell 10 from tipping over. However, when the taco shell 10 is on its side, the shell 10 can no longer hold the taco filling, which spills out through the open end 30 of the shell 10 .
- the taco shell holder In order to hold taco shells upright, various taco shell holders have been devised. Typically, the taco shell holder has a body with a wide base and a taco shell receiving opening in which the taco shell sits while it is filled with the taco filling. However, the taco shell holders are not edible and, therefore, generate a significant amount of waste. Furthermore, in the fast-food-take-out environment, taco shell holders make it difficult to package the taco shell when the taco shell is filled with taco shell filling. Supplemental packaging such as taco stands adds costs as well.
- the present invention in several embodiments, is a stable, self-standing, taco shell.
- the stable, self-standing, taco shell has a first sidewall and a second sidewall interconnected by a substantially flat base.
- the taco shell is configured so the height of the taco shell is approximately 1.50 to 4.0 times the width of the base.
- the stable, self-standing, taco shell has a first sidewall and a second sidewall interconnected by a substantially flat base.
- the taco shell is configured so that the height of the taco shell is approximately about 50-110 millimeters (2.0 to 4.0 inches) and the width of the base is at least 10-15 millimeters (0.50 inch). In another embodiment, the width of the base is at least 19 millimeters (about 0.75 inch). In yet another embodiment, the width of the base is approximately 25 mm (about 1.0 inch).
- the stable, self-standing, taco shell has a first sidewall element, a second sidewall element, a substantially flat base element, a first curved element interconnecting the first sidewall element to the flat base element, and a second curved element interconnecting the second sidewall element to the flat base element.
- at least one of the elements will have a thickness of at least 1.5 millimeters. In one embodiment of this taco shell, at least one of the elements will have a thickness of less than 1.5 millimeters. In other embodiments of this taco shell, the curved elements may have large, medium or small radii.
- the present invention in several embodiments, further resides in methods of making a stable, self-standing, taco shell.
- the method entails providing a soft flexible uncooked or partially cooked tortilla and placing the tortilla in or on a mold.
- the mold is configured so the resulting taco shell has a first sidewall and a second sidewall interconnected by a substantially flat base, and the height of the resulting taco shell is approximately 1.50 to 4.0 times the base width of the taco shell.
- the present methods of making a stable, self-standing, taco shell involves providing a tortilla and placing the tortilla into or on a mold.
- the mold is configured so the resulting taco shell has a first sidewall element, a second sidewall element, a substantially flat base element, a first curved element interconnecting the first sidewall element to the flat base element, and a second curved element interconnecting the second sidewall element to the flat base element.
- at least one of the elements will have a thickness of at least 1.5 millimeters. In one embodiment of this method, at least one of the elements will have a thickness of less than 1.5 millimeters.
- the curved elements may have large, medium or small radii.
- the present invention in several embodiments, is a method of using a stable, self-standing, taco shell.
- the method involves locating a flat preparation surface and selecting at least one stable, self-standing, taco shell having a first sidewall and a second sidewall interconnected by a substantially flat base, the taco shell configured so the height of the taco shell is approximately 1.50 to 4.0 times the width of the base.
- the at least one taco shell is then placed upright on the preparation surface and filled with taco filling.
- the method of using a stable, self-standing, taco shell entails locating a flat preparation surface and selecting at least one stable, self-standing, taco shell having a first sidewall element, a second sidewall element, a substantially flat base element, a first curved element interconnecting the first sidewall element to the flat base element, and a second curved element interconnecting the second sidewall element to the flat base element.
- the at least one taco shell is then placed upright on the preparation surface and filled with taco filling.
- at least one of the elements will have a thickness of at least 1.5 millimeters. In one embodiment of this method, at least one of the elements will have a thickness of less than 1.5 millimeters.
- the curved elements may have large, medium or small radii.
- FIG. 1 is an end elevation view of a conventional U-shaped taco shell.
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a self-standing taco shell having a substantially flat base and sitting upright on a flat preparation surface.
- FIG. 3 a is an end elevation view of the self-standing taco shell of FIG. 2 having large radius curved segments.
- FIG. 3 b is an end elevation view of the self-standing taco shell of FIG. 2 having medium radius curved segments.
- FIG. 3 c is an end elevation view of the self-standing taco shell of FIG. 2 having small radius curved segments.
- FIG. 3 d is an end elevation view of the self-standing taco shell of FIG. 2 after the shell has failed at one of the shell's two curved segments.
- FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a self-standing food trough having a substantially flat base and sitting upright on a flat preparation surface.
- FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the self-standing food trough of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a self-standing taco shell having a substantially flat base.
- FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a self-standing taco shell having a substantially flat base.
- FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a tray having a surface that may be used to further stabilize the taco shell of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a self-standing taco shell 110 formed from a circular tortilla.
- FIG. 2 depicts the taco shell 110 sitting upright, without assistance, on a flat preparation surface 112 .
- FIG. 3 a is an end elevation view of the same self-standing taco shell 110 shown in FIG. 2 .
- the taco shell 110 includes a pair of opposed sidewalls 115 that are interconnected by a flat base 120 .
- the top edge 125 of each sidewall 115 is free of connection to the opposing sidewall 115 , creating the open end 130 of the shell 110 .
- the sidewalls 115 and base 120 define a cavity 135 in which taco filling (e.g., lettuce, beans, cheese, cooked meat or poultry or the like) is placed.
- taco filling e.g., lettuce, beans, cheese, cooked meat or poultry or the like
- the base 120 comprises a flat segment 140 , which is bordered by two curved segments 145 .
- Each curved segment 145 serves as a transition from the base 120 to a sidewall 115 .
- the radii of the curved segments are large (approximately 6 millimeters or greater), forming rounded transitions from the base 120 to the sidewalls 115 .
- the radii of the curved segments 145 are medium (approximately 6 millimeters to 3 millimeters). In one embodiment of the invention, as indicated in FIG.
- the radii of the curved segments are small (approximately 3 millimeters or less), forming transitions from the base 120 to the sidewalls 115 that have a profile with a very pronounced edge.
- the larger the radius of a curved segment 145 the less likely the shell 110 will fail at that curved segment 145 .
- each sidewall 115 can diverge from the vertical centerline of the shell 110 .
- Potential angles of divergence range from about zero to about 25 degrees, as indicated by angle “A” in FIG. 3 a.
- a taco shell of the present invention may include less divergence than that of a conventional taco.
- one embodiment of the taco shell 110 has a base width (represented by letters “Db” in FIG. 3 a ) of approximately 19 to 32 millimeters (about 0.75 to 1.25 inches) while the open end width (represented by letters “De” in FIG. 3 a ) is approximately 32 to 35 millimeters (about 1.25 to 1.375 inches).
- the base width Db is approximately 19 to 39 millimeters (about 0.75 to 1.5 inches) and the open end width De is approximately 35 to 44 millimeters (about 1.375 to 1.75 inches). In another embodiment, the base width Db is approximately 19 to 39 millimeters (about 0.75 to 1.5 inches) and the open end width De is approximately 44 to 51 millimeters (about 1.75 to 2.0 inches). Finally, in yet another embodiment, the base width Db is approximately 25 millimeters (about 1.0 inch) and the open end width is approximately 39 millimeters (about 1.5 inches).
- the flat base 120 of the taco shell 110 is wider than the rounded base 20 of the conventional taco shell 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the base 120 of the taco shell 110 has been increased so that the height (represented by letters “Dh” in FIG. 3 a ) of the shell 110 is now approximately 1.50 to 4.0 times the base width Db. Because of its width Db, the base 120 of the taco shell 110 is able to overcome the destabilizing effect presented by the normal variations in the surface topography of a taco shell 110 .
- the base 120 allows the taco shell 110 to stand upright without assistance when the taco shell 110 is being filled with taco filling.
- the base 120 allows a taco, which has been partially consumed, to stand upright without assistance.
- the taco shell 110 has a height of approximately 51 to 65 millimeters (about 2.0 to 2.5 inches), a base width Db of approximately 19 to 32 millimeters, and an open end width De of approximately 32 to 39 millimeters.
- This taco shell's relatively narrow open end width De and its low height Dh to base width Db ratio results in a self-standing taco shell 110 that is especially stable in the upright position.
- This taco's relatively broad flat base 120 allows the taco shell 110 to successfully over come the destabilizing effect presented by the normal variations in the surface topography of a taco shell.
- the base width Db of the taco shell 110 is such that the taco height Dh is less than 4.0 times the base width Db. In another embodiment, the height Dh of the taco shell 110 is approximately 1.75 to 3.35 times the base width Db. In yet another embodiment, the height Dh of the taco shell 110 is approximately 2.0 to 3.0 times the base width Db. Finally, in another embodiment, the height Dh of the taco shell 110 is approximately 2.0 to 2.5 times the base width Db.
- the height Dh of the taco shell 110 is approximately 51 to 102 millimeters (about 2.0 to 4.0 inches) while the base width Db is at least approximately 12 millimeters (about 0.50 inch). In another embodiment, the height Dh of the taco shell 110 is approximately 51 to 102 millimeters while the base width Db is at least approximately 16 millimeters (about 0.65 inch). In yet another embodiment, the height Dh of the taco shell 110 is approximately 51 to 102 millimeters while the base width Db is at least approximately 19 millimeters. In yet another embodiment, the height Dh of the taco shell 110 is approximately 51 to 102 millimeters while the base width Db is at least approximately 21 millimeters (about 0.85 inch). Finally, in another embodiment, the height Dh of the taco shell 110 is approximately 51 to 102 millimeters while the base width Db is at least approximately 25 millimeters.
- the height Dh of the taco shell 110 is approximately 57 to 77 millimeters (about 2.25 to 3.0 inches) and the base width Db is at least approximately 16 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the height Dh of the taco shell 110 is approximately 57 to 70 millimeters (about 2.25 to 2.75 inches) and the base width Db is at least approximately 19 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the height Dh of the taco shell is approximately 57 to 70 millimeters and the base width Db is at least approximately 21 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the height Dh of the taco shell is approximately 57 to 70 millimeters and the base width Db is at least approximately 25 millimeters.
- the base width Db of the taco shell 110 is no wider than the distance an average adult mouth may comfortably open when consuming a taco. In one embodiment, the base width Db is approximately 25 millimeters. In another embodiment, the base width Db of the taco shell 110 is no wider than the distance an average child mouth may comfortably open when consuming a taco.
- a comparison of the taco shell 110 (illustrated in FIG. 3 a ) to the conventional taco shell 10 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ) shows the cavity 135 of the taco shell 110 is larger than the cavity 35 of the conventional taco shell 10 . Consequently, the taco shell 110 can hold a greater amount of taco filling than the conventional taco shell 10 .
- Another advantage of the taco shell 110 is that the larger cavity 135 and base 120 allow a utensil (e.g., spoon) to be used to access the base of the taco shell 110 when used to load the taco shell 110 with taco filling.
- the configuration of the taco shell 110 (shown in FIGS. 3 a , 3 b and 3 c ) causes the shell 110 to fail primarily at one of its two curved segments 145 . This failure occurs primarily at these segments because stress concentrations arise at the curved segments 145 . The smaller the radius of a curved segment 145 , the greater the stress concentration therein and the more likely the shell 110 will fail at that location.
- a L-shaped shell section 150 comprises the flat segment 140 and one sidewall 115 b joined by the remaining unbroken curved segment 145 b . Since the resulting L-shaped shell section 150 has a sidewall 115 b connected to the flat segment 140 , the shell 110 can still retain the taco filling 155 , including any taco sauce and meat juice. Thus, unlike a conventional taco shell 10 , the taco shell 110 can retain its filling 150 though the shell 110 has failed.
- the free sidewall 115 a slides towards the other sidewall 115 b until its progress is arrested by the taco filling 155 contained in the cavity 135 .
- the taco can then be consumed like a sandwich.
- the taco shell 110 can fail at one of its curved segments 145 and still retain the taco filling 155 , preventing the failure of the taco shell 110 is less of a concern than it is with the conventional shell 10 . Consequently, in one embodiment of the invention, the taco shell 110 may be made from a tortilla having a thickness (“Ts” in FIG. 3 d ) of less than 1.5 millimeters (i.e., a thin tortilla).
- conventional taco shells 10 are made from tortillas having a thickness (“Ts” in FIG. 1 ) of 1.5 millimeters or greater.
- Ts thickness
- the taco shell 110 made from the “thin tortilla” is advantageous over the conventional taco shell 10 because less dough is required for each taco shell 110 .
- some fried taco shells are high in fat content, the consumer ingests less fat per taco when the taco shell 110 is made from a “thin tortilla.”
- more taco shells can be provided for a given package weight.
- ingredient amounts and costs are lowered for the “thin tortilla” embodiment over the embodiment having a thicker tortilla thickness.
- the taco shell 110 of the present invention may be made using a tortilla having a thickness less than 1.5 millimeters or a thickness greater than or equal to 1.5 millimeters. Consequently, in one embodiment, the taco shell 110 can be made from a standard tortilla having a thickness Ts of approximately 1.5 to 3.0 millimeters or greater.
- FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the self-standing taco shell 110 called the self-standing food trough 160 .
- FIG. 4 depicts the food trough 160 sitting upright, without assistance, on a flat preparation surface 112 .
- the food trough 160 is formed from a circular tortilla in a manner as outlined in FIG. 6 and discussed below.
- the food trough 160 is actually a cookie or cracker. This embodiment is made by cooking cracker or cookie dough in molds configured like the food trough 160 in FIG. 4 .
- the food trough 160 can be made in many different sizes. Generally, the food trough 160 is longer (the length depicted in FIG. 4 by the dimension D 1 ) than it is wide (the width depicted in FIG. 5 by the dimension Db).
- FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the same self-standing food trough 160 shown in FIG. 4 .
- the food trough 160 includes a pair of opposed sidewalls 162 that are interconnected by a flat base 164 .
- the top edge 166 of each sidewall 162 is free of connection to the opposing sidewall 162 , creating the open end 168 of the trough 160 .
- the sidewalls 162 and base 164 define a cavity 170 in which an edible filling is placed.
- the base 164 comprises a flat segment 172 , which is bordered by two curved segments 174 .
- Each curved segment 174 serves as a transition from the base 164 to a sidewall 162 .
- its curved segments 174 will have ranges of radii similar to those of the taco shell 110 .
- the trough 160 have a range for angles of divergence (represented by angle “A” in FIG. 5 ) that are similar to those of the taco shell 110 .
- the height Dh of the food trough 160 will be less than the height Dh of the taco shell 110 . In another embodiment, the height Dh of the food trough 160 will be limited to the distance an average adult mouth can comfortably open when consuming a sandwich. In another embodiment, the height Dh of the food trough 160 will be limited to the distance an average child mouth can comfortably open when consuming a sandwich. In yet another embodiment, the height Dh of the food trough will be approximately 12 to 25 millimeters (about 0.50 to 1.0 inch).
- its base width Db will be at least approximately 25 millimeters.
- the base width Db of the food trough 160 will be limited to the bite width of an average adult mouth.
- the base width Db of the food trough 160 will be limited to the bite width of an average child mouth.
- the base width Db of the food trough 160 will be approximately 25 millimeters to 51 millimeters.
- the length of the food trough 160 can be varied. In one embodiment, the length will be about 127 millimeters (about 5 inches).
- the food trough 160 when used as a taco shell, allows the taco to be eaten like a hot dog. As a result, a taco consumer may eat a taco without having to tilt his or her head to the right or left, as is typically required when eating a taco in a conventional taco shell 10 .
- masa dough is formed. As one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, this may be done by purchasing masa dough from a vendor, purchasing masa flour and mixing it with water, annatto (an optional yellow coloring), salt and rework to form the dough (block 200 ), or by purchasing raw corn and processing it to make the masa dough. If raw corn is purchased, the raw corn is cooked with lime and then steeped. The corn is then washed and ground into masa flour, which is then mixed with other ingredients to form the dough. The dough enters the sheeting machine, which forms raw masa tortillas (block 210 ).
- the tortillas will have a thickness of less than 1.5 millimeters. In another embodiment of the invention, the tortillas will have a thickness of approximately 1.5 to 3.0 millimeters or greater. Also, while the present invention finds particular suitability for use in connection with the provision of corn or maize based masa flour, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the present invention finds usefulness in provision of wheat or wheat/corn blends based formed taco shells.
- the raw masa tortillas can optionally then be flash baked, resulting in raw masa tortillas with toast marks (block 220 ) as well as a reduced moisture content so as to thereby minimize fat take-up during the subsequent frying step.
- the toasted still soft and flexible tortillas are then formed into self-standing taco shells having substantially flat bases (block 230 ).
- the molds can be a wire mesh mold, a wire cage mold, a combination wire mesh/cage mold, or a conventional mold having upper and lower plates. In either case, the molds are flat-bottomed and have cross-sectional elevations like the self-standing taco shells 110 shown in FIGS. 3 a , 3 b and 3 c and as discussed above. Like the taco shells 110 illustrated in FIGS. 3 a , 3 b and 3 c , the curved segments of the mold may have large, medium or small radii as discussed above.
- the conformed tortillas are then fried and adopt the form of the molds (block 240 ).
- the tortillas exit the fryer as fried self-standing taco shells having substantially flat bases and a moisture content of less than about 6%.
- the fried tacos can be partially defatted by oil draining and/or hot air oil removal. Since the formed tacos are still plastic or pliable for short periods while still hot immediately after frying, care should be taken to preserve the desired square bottomed shape. Oil is allowed to drain from the taco shells as they cool (block 250 ) and harden.
- the tortillas are baked to a final moisture content of less than 6% to form low fat shaped rigid tacos.
- a number (e.g., 3-6) of the cooled hardened rigid taco shells are then nested (block 260 ) together into nested quantities and these nested quantities preferably provided with an intermediate spacer (not shown) and packaged (block 270 ) such as by providing one or more of the nested quantities onto a support board and then a film over wrap.
- discontinuities in taco shells can be minimized by providing masa flour of the proper granulation, using the proper ratios of ingredients, maintaining the proper moisture level in the dough, baking and frying properly, and avoiding the use of taco shell molds having complex geometries. Because the flat-bottomed molds have simple geometric characteristics, the tortillas readily conform to the molds, minimizing the potential for the formation of destabilizing discontinuities, especially those at the base 120 of the shell 110 .
- a method of using a self-standing taco shell 110 having a substantially flat base 120 will now be described by referring to the process flow chart illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- a flat preparation surface 112 is located (block 300 ).
- One or more self-standing taco shells 110 having substantially flat bases 120 and characteristics as discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 3 a , 3 b and 3 c , are selected (block 310 ) and placed upright on the flat preparation surface 112 (block 320 ).
- one or more self-standing taco shells 110 having substantially flat bases 120 and characteristics as discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 3 a , 3 b and 3 c , are selected (block 310 ) and simply held or supported in an upright position.
- FIG. 8 shows a tray 400 that may be used in conjunction with the taco shell 110 of the present invention to prepare tacos, store tacos, or present tacos to consumers.
- the tray 400 has a surface 402 upon which a taco shell 110 can be placed.
- the tray also has a structure 404 that provides at least one support surface 406 .
- the surfaces 402 can be sized by appropriately spacing the structures 404 such that the support surfaces 406 further stabilize the taco shell 110 when it is in a standing position.
- one or more support surfaces 406 may be used to further stabilize the taco shell 110 during preparation of the tacos for storing tacos, or for presentation of the tacos for sale.
- the taco shell 110 is reheated prior to being filled with heatable taco filling (i.e., meat, poultry or bean filling).
- heatable filling is placed in the taco shell 110 and then preheated.
- an individual or machine fills one or more taco shells 110 with heatable filling and then leaves the one or more tacos in an upright position for another individual to or machine to fill with other types of taco filling.
- an individual or machine leaves one or more taco shells 110 in an upright position for another individual or machine to fill with taco filling.
- the self-standing taco shell 110 makes it easier to prepare multiple tacos at the same time. This advantage is especially desirable in fast food, cafeteria and party environments where multiple tacos are being prepared at one time.
- Still another advantage of the present tacos is that even if taco breakage occurs along either connection between flat base and sidewall, the flat base and remaining sidewall forms a ledge minimizing loss of the added fillings to allow for consumption completion with reduced mess.
- a taco made using the taco shell 110 of the present invention may be presented for consumption in an upright and filled orientation.
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Seeds, Soups, And Other Foods (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/501,298, filed Jul. 12, 2004, entitled SQUARE BOTTOM TACO SHELL, which is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US02/36474, filed on Nov. 14, 2002, and having a PCT Publication No. WO 2004/043154, entitled SQUARE BOTTOM TACO SHELL, wherein all prior patent applications are commonly owned by the owner of the present patent application and wherein the entire contents of said applications and prior patent applications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
- The present invention relates to an edible food shell. More specifically, the present invention relates to a taco shell.
- A conventional taco shell is formed by placing a circular tortilla in a U-shaped mold. The tortillas used for conventional tacos are typically between 5.0 and 7.5 inches in diameter. Once the tortilla has taken on the shape of the mold, the tortilla is made generally rigid by baking or deep fat frying. The resulting
taco shell 10 is U-shaped when viewed from the end (seeFIG. 1 ). - As shown in
FIG. 1 , aconventional taco shell 10 will have a pair ofopposed sidewalls 15 that are interconnected by a generally semi-circular orround base 20. Often, eachsidewall 15 diverges from the vertical centerline of theshell 10 by approximately 25 degrees, as indicated by angle “A” inFIG. 1 . Thetop edge 25 of eachsidewall 15 is free of connection to theopposing sidewall 15, creating theopen end 30 of theshell 10. Thesidewalls 15 andbase 20 define acavity 35 in which taco filling (e.g., lettuce, beans, cheese, cooked meat or poultry or the like) is placed. - As can be seen in
FIG. 1 , thebase 20 of theconventional taco shell 10 is relatively narrow as compared to the height of theshell 10. The conventional taco shell's configuration andnarrow base 20 prevent taco consumers from filling thecavity 35 with preferred amounts of meat without overly limiting the space available for other types of taco filling. For example, if a consumer puts in more than minor amounts of meat, the remaining space within thecavity 35 is insufficient to allow the inclusion of adequate amounts of other available fillings like lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, etc. Another problem is that thenarrow base 20 prevents a utensil (e.g., a spoon) from being placed near the base of thetaco shell 10 when used to fill thetaco shell 10 with meat or other filling. - Another problem presented by the configuration of the
conventional taco shell 10 is that theshell 10 tends to fail at thebase 20. When this occurs, theshell 10 no longer retains the taco filling. Consequently, the taco filling, especially the liquid elements like taco sauce and meat juices, escape from thetaco shell 10 making a mess. - Another problem presented by the configuration of the
conventional taco shell 10 is that the narrow,rounded base 20 prevents thetaco shell 10 from being stable in an upright position. Consequently, when not being held, aconventional taco shell 10 must be laid on its side to prevent theshell 10 from tipping over. However, when thetaco shell 10 is on its side, theshell 10 can no longer hold the taco filling, which spills out through theopen end 30 of theshell 10. - In order to hold taco shells upright, various taco shell holders have been devised. Typically, the taco shell holder has a body with a wide base and a taco shell receiving opening in which the taco shell sits while it is filled with the taco filling. However, the taco shell holders are not edible and, therefore, generate a significant amount of waste. Furthermore, in the fast-food-take-out environment, taco shell holders make it difficult to package the taco shell when the taco shell is filled with taco shell filling. Supplemental packaging such as taco stands adds costs as well.
- There is a need in the art for a taco shell that is capable of standing without assistance whether initially or partially consumed. Also, there is a need in the art for methods for manufacturing and using such a taco shell.
- The present invention, in several embodiments, is a stable, self-standing, taco shell. In one embodiment the stable, self-standing, taco shell has a first sidewall and a second sidewall interconnected by a substantially flat base. The taco shell is configured so the height of the taco shell is approximately 1.50 to 4.0 times the width of the base.
- In one embodiment, the stable, self-standing, taco shell has a first sidewall and a second sidewall interconnected by a substantially flat base. The taco shell is configured so that the height of the taco shell is approximately about 50-110 millimeters (2.0 to 4.0 inches) and the width of the base is at least 10-15 millimeters (0.50 inch). In another embodiment, the width of the base is at least 19 millimeters (about 0.75 inch). In yet another embodiment, the width of the base is approximately 25 mm (about 1.0 inch).
- In one embodiment, the stable, self-standing, taco shell has a first sidewall element, a second sidewall element, a substantially flat base element, a first curved element interconnecting the first sidewall element to the flat base element, and a second curved element interconnecting the second sidewall element to the flat base element. In one embodiment of this taco shell, at least one of the elements will have a thickness of at least 1.5 millimeters. In one embodiment of this taco shell, at least one of the elements will have a thickness of less than 1.5 millimeters. In other embodiments of this taco shell, the curved elements may have large, medium or small radii.
- The present invention, in several embodiments, further resides in methods of making a stable, self-standing, taco shell. In one embodiment, the method entails providing a soft flexible uncooked or partially cooked tortilla and placing the tortilla in or on a mold. The mold is configured so the resulting taco shell has a first sidewall and a second sidewall interconnected by a substantially flat base, and the height of the resulting taco shell is approximately 1.50 to 4.0 times the base width of the taco shell.
- In one embodiment, the present methods of making a stable, self-standing, taco shell involves providing a tortilla and placing the tortilla into or on a mold. The mold is configured so the resulting taco shell has a first sidewall element, a second sidewall element, a substantially flat base element, a first curved element interconnecting the first sidewall element to the flat base element, and a second curved element interconnecting the second sidewall element to the flat base element. In one embodiment of this method, at least one of the elements will have a thickness of at least 1.5 millimeters. In one embodiment of this method, at least one of the elements will have a thickness of less than 1.5 millimeters. In other embodiments of this method, the curved elements may have large, medium or small radii.
- The present invention, in several embodiments, is a method of using a stable, self-standing, taco shell. The method involves locating a flat preparation surface and selecting at least one stable, self-standing, taco shell having a first sidewall and a second sidewall interconnected by a substantially flat base, the taco shell configured so the height of the taco shell is approximately 1.50 to 4.0 times the width of the base. The at least one taco shell is then placed upright on the preparation surface and filled with taco filling.
- In one embodiment, the method of using a stable, self-standing, taco shell entails locating a flat preparation surface and selecting at least one stable, self-standing, taco shell having a first sidewall element, a second sidewall element, a substantially flat base element, a first curved element interconnecting the first sidewall element to the flat base element, and a second curved element interconnecting the second sidewall element to the flat base element. The at least one taco shell is then placed upright on the preparation surface and filled with taco filling. In one embodiment of this method, at least one of the elements will have a thickness of at least 1.5 millimeters. In one embodiment of this method, at least one of the elements will have a thickness of less than 1.5 millimeters. In other embodiments of this method, the curved elements may have large, medium or small radii.
- While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
-
FIG. 1 is an end elevation view of a conventional U-shaped taco shell. -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a self-standing taco shell having a substantially flat base and sitting upright on a flat preparation surface. -
FIG. 3 a is an end elevation view of the self-standing taco shell ofFIG. 2 having large radius curved segments. -
FIG. 3 b is an end elevation view of the self-standing taco shell ofFIG. 2 having medium radius curved segments. -
FIG. 3 c is an end elevation view of the self-standing taco shell ofFIG. 2 having small radius curved segments. -
FIG. 3 d is an end elevation view of the self-standing taco shell ofFIG. 2 after the shell has failed at one of the shell's two curved segments. -
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a self-standing food trough having a substantially flat base and sitting upright on a flat preparation surface. -
FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the self-standing food trough ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a self-standing taco shell having a substantially flat base. -
FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a self-standing taco shell having a substantially flat base. -
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a tray having a surface that may be used to further stabilize the taco shell of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a self-standingtaco shell 110 formed from a circular tortilla.FIG. 2 depicts thetaco shell 110 sitting upright, without assistance, on aflat preparation surface 112. -
FIG. 3 a is an end elevation view of the same self-standingtaco shell 110 shown inFIG. 2 . As shown inFIG. 3 a, thetaco shell 110 includes a pair ofopposed sidewalls 115 that are interconnected by aflat base 120. Thetop edge 125 of eachsidewall 115 is free of connection to the opposingsidewall 115, creating theopen end 130 of theshell 110. Thesidewalls 115 andbase 120 define acavity 135 in which taco filling (e.g., lettuce, beans, cheese, cooked meat or poultry or the like) is placed. - The
base 120 comprises aflat segment 140, which is bordered by twocurved segments 145. Eachcurved segment 145 serves as a transition from the base 120 to asidewall 115. In one embodiment of the invention, as reflected inFIG. 3 a, the radii of the curved segments are large (approximately 6 millimeters or greater), forming rounded transitions from the base 120 to thesidewalls 115. In one embodiment of the invention, as shown inFIG. 3 b, the radii of thecurved segments 145 are medium (approximately 6 millimeters to 3 millimeters). In one embodiment of the invention, as indicated inFIG. 3 c, the radii of the curved segments are small (approximately 3 millimeters or less), forming transitions from the base 120 to thesidewalls 115 that have a profile with a very pronounced edge. As a general rule, the larger the radius of acurved segment 145, the less likely theshell 110 will fail at thatcurved segment 145. - As indicated in
FIG. 3 a, eachsidewall 115 can diverge from the vertical centerline of theshell 110. Potential angles of divergence range from about zero to about 25 degrees, as indicated by angle “A” inFIG. 3 a. - Excessive angles of divergence “A” in
conventional taco shells 10 cause taco consumers to close or pinch thetop edges 25 of theshell 10 together, bringing about taco shell failure. To overcome this problem, some embodiments of a taco shell of the present invention may include less divergence than that of a conventional taco. For instance, one embodiment of thetaco shell 110 has a base width (represented by letters “Db” inFIG. 3 a) of approximately 19 to 32 millimeters (about 0.75 to 1.25 inches) while the open end width (represented by letters “De” inFIG. 3 a) is approximately 32 to 35 millimeters (about 1.25 to 1.375 inches). In another embodiment, the base width Db is approximately 19 to 39 millimeters (about 0.75 to 1.5 inches) and the open end width De is approximately 35 to 44 millimeters (about 1.375 to 1.75 inches). In another embodiment, the base width Db is approximately 19 to 39 millimeters (about 0.75 to 1.5 inches) and the open end width De is approximately 44 to 51 millimeters (about 1.75 to 2.0 inches). Finally, in yet another embodiment, the base width Db is approximately 25 millimeters (about 1.0 inch) and the open end width is approximately 39 millimeters (about 1.5 inches). - As shown in
FIG. 3 a, in one embodiment of the invention, theflat base 120 of thetaco shell 110 is wider than the roundedbase 20 of theconventional taco shell 10 illustrated inFIG. 1 . Thebase 120 of thetaco shell 110 has been increased so that the height (represented by letters “Dh” inFIG. 3 a) of theshell 110 is now approximately 1.50 to 4.0 times the base width Db. Because of its width Db, thebase 120 of thetaco shell 110 is able to overcome the destabilizing effect presented by the normal variations in the surface topography of ataco shell 110. Thus, thebase 120 allows thetaco shell 110 to stand upright without assistance when thetaco shell 110 is being filled with taco filling. Also, thebase 120 allows a taco, which has been partially consumed, to stand upright without assistance. - In one embodiment, the
taco shell 110 has a height of approximately 51 to 65 millimeters (about 2.0 to 2.5 inches), a base width Db of approximately 19 to 32 millimeters, and an open end width De of approximately 32 to 39 millimeters. This taco shell's relatively narrow open end width De and its low height Dh to base width Db ratio results in a self-standingtaco shell 110 that is especially stable in the upright position. This taco's relatively broadflat base 120 allows thetaco shell 110 to successfully over come the destabilizing effect presented by the normal variations in the surface topography of a taco shell. - In one embodiment of the invention, the base width Db of the
taco shell 110 is such that the taco height Dh is less than 4.0 times the base width Db. In another embodiment, the height Dh of thetaco shell 110 is approximately 1.75 to 3.35 times the base width Db. In yet another embodiment, the height Dh of thetaco shell 110 is approximately 2.0 to 3.0 times the base width Db. Finally, in another embodiment, the height Dh of thetaco shell 110 is approximately 2.0 to 2.5 times the base width Db. - In one embodiment of the invention, the height Dh of the
taco shell 110 is approximately 51 to 102 millimeters (about 2.0 to 4.0 inches) while the base width Db is at least approximately 12 millimeters (about 0.50 inch). In another embodiment, the height Dh of thetaco shell 110 is approximately 51 to 102 millimeters while the base width Db is at least approximately 16 millimeters (about 0.65 inch). In yet another embodiment, the height Dh of thetaco shell 110 is approximately 51 to 102 millimeters while the base width Db is at least approximately 19 millimeters. In yet another embodiment, the height Dh of thetaco shell 110 is approximately 51 to 102 millimeters while the base width Db is at least approximately 21 millimeters (about 0.85 inch). Finally, in another embodiment, the height Dh of thetaco shell 110 is approximately 51 to 102 millimeters while the base width Db is at least approximately 25 millimeters. - In one embodiment of the invention, the height Dh of the
taco shell 110 is approximately 57 to 77 millimeters (about 2.25 to 3.0 inches) and the base width Db is at least approximately 16 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the height Dh of thetaco shell 110 is approximately 57 to 70 millimeters (about 2.25 to 2.75 inches) and the base width Db is at least approximately 19 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the height Dh of the taco shell is approximately 57 to 70 millimeters and the base width Db is at least approximately 21 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the height Dh of the taco shell is approximately 57 to 70 millimeters and the base width Db is at least approximately 25 millimeters. - In one embodiment of the invention, the base width Db of the
taco shell 110 is no wider than the distance an average adult mouth may comfortably open when consuming a taco. In one embodiment, the base width Db is approximately 25 millimeters. In another embodiment, the base width Db of thetaco shell 110 is no wider than the distance an average child mouth may comfortably open when consuming a taco. - A comparison of the taco shell 110 (illustrated in
FIG. 3 a) to the conventional taco shell 10 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ) shows thecavity 135 of thetaco shell 110 is larger than thecavity 35 of theconventional taco shell 10. Consequently, thetaco shell 110 can hold a greater amount of taco filling than theconventional taco shell 10. This is advantageous because thetaco shell 110 can be filled with greater amounts of meat and still have room for adequate amounts of all other available fillings. Typically, a taco shell filled with adequate amounts of meat and all other available fillings will have greater flavor and, as a result, will be preferred by a taco consumer. Another advantage of thetaco shell 110 is that thelarger cavity 135 andbase 120 allow a utensil (e.g., spoon) to be used to access the base of thetaco shell 110 when used to load thetaco shell 110 with taco filling. - The configuration of the taco shell 110 (shown in
FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c) causes theshell 110 to fail primarily at one of its twocurved segments 145. This failure occurs primarily at these segments because stress concentrations arise at thecurved segments 145. The smaller the radius of acurved segment 145, the greater the stress concentration therein and the more likely theshell 110 will fail at that location. - As shown in
FIG. 3 d, when one of the twocurved segments shell section 150 remains. The L-shapedshell section 150 comprises theflat segment 140 and onesidewall 115 b joined by the remaining unbrokencurved segment 145 b. Since the resulting L-shapedshell section 150 has asidewall 115 b connected to theflat segment 140, theshell 110 can still retain the taco filling 155, including any taco sauce and meat juice. Thus, unlike aconventional taco shell 10, thetaco shell 110 can retain its filling 150 though theshell 110 has failed. - As indicated in
FIG. 3 d, thefree sidewall 115 a slides towards theother sidewall 115 b until its progress is arrested by the taco filling 155 contained in thecavity 135. The taco can then be consumed like a sandwich. - Because the
taco shell 110 can fail at one of itscurved segments 145 and still retain the taco filling 155, preventing the failure of thetaco shell 110 is less of a concern than it is with theconventional shell 10. Consequently, in one embodiment of the invention, thetaco shell 110 may be made from a tortilla having a thickness (“Ts” inFIG. 3 d) of less than 1.5 millimeters (i.e., a thin tortilla). - To reduce the likelihood of shell failure,
conventional taco shells 10 are made from tortillas having a thickness (“Ts” inFIG. 1 ) of 1.5 millimeters or greater. Thus, thetaco shell 110 made from the “thin tortilla” is advantageous over theconventional taco shell 10 because less dough is required for eachtaco shell 110. Also, since some fried taco shells are high in fat content, the consumer ingests less fat per taco when thetaco shell 110 is made from a “thin tortilla.” Also, with the “thin tortilla” embodiment, more taco shells can be provided for a given package weight. Conversely, for the same number of taco shells, ingredient amounts and costs are lowered for the “thin tortilla” embodiment over the embodiment having a thicker tortilla thickness. - The
taco shell 110 of the present invention may be made using a tortilla having a thickness less than 1.5 millimeters or a thickness greater than or equal to 1.5 millimeters. Consequently, in one embodiment, thetaco shell 110 can be made from a standard tortilla having a thickness Ts of approximately 1.5 to 3.0 millimeters or greater. -
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the self-standingtaco shell 110 called the self-standingfood trough 160.FIG. 4 depicts thefood trough 160 sitting upright, without assistance, on aflat preparation surface 112. - In one embodiment, the
food trough 160 is formed from a circular tortilla in a manner as outlined inFIG. 6 and discussed below. In another embodiment, thefood trough 160 is actually a cookie or cracker. This embodiment is made by cooking cracker or cookie dough in molds configured like thefood trough 160 inFIG. 4 . - The
food trough 160 can be made in many different sizes. Generally, thefood trough 160 is longer (the length depicted inFIG. 4 by the dimension D1) than it is wide (the width depicted inFIG. 5 by the dimension Db). -
FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the same self-standingfood trough 160 shown inFIG. 4 . As shown inFIG. 5 , thefood trough 160 includes a pair ofopposed sidewalls 162 that are interconnected by aflat base 164. Thetop edge 166 of eachsidewall 162 is free of connection to the opposingsidewall 162, creating theopen end 168 of thetrough 160. Thesidewalls 162 andbase 164 define acavity 170 in which an edible filling is placed. - The
base 164 comprises aflat segment 172, which is bordered by twocurved segments 174. Eachcurved segment 174 serves as a transition from the base 164 to asidewall 162. In one embodiment of thetrough 160, itscurved segments 174 will have ranges of radii similar to those of thetaco shell 110. Thetrough 160 have a range for angles of divergence (represented by angle “A” inFIG. 5 ) that are similar to those of thetaco shell 110. - In one embodiment of the
food trough 160, its height Dh will be less than the height Dh of thetaco shell 110. In another embodiment, the height Dh of thefood trough 160 will be limited to the distance an average adult mouth can comfortably open when consuming a sandwich. In another embodiment, the height Dh of thefood trough 160 will be limited to the distance an average child mouth can comfortably open when consuming a sandwich. In yet another embodiment, the height Dh of the food trough will be approximately 12 to 25 millimeters (about 0.50 to 1.0 inch). - In the large embodiment of the
food trough 160, its base width Db will be at least approximately 25 millimeters. In another embodiment, the base width Db of thefood trough 160 will be limited to the bite width of an average adult mouth. In another embodiment, the base width Db of thefood trough 160 will be limited to the bite width of an average child mouth. In yet another embodiment, the base width Db of thefood trough 160 will be approximately 25 millimeters to 51 millimeters. - The length of the
food trough 160 can be varied. In one embodiment, the length will be about 127 millimeters (about 5 inches). - These embodiments are advantageous because the
food trough 160, when used as a taco shell, allows the taco to be eaten like a hot dog. As a result, a taco consumer may eat a taco without having to tilt his or her head to the right or left, as is typically required when eating a taco in aconventional taco shell 10. - A process of making the self-standing
taco shell 110 will now be described by referring to the process flow chart illustrated inFIG. 6 . Initially, masa dough is formed. As one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, this may be done by purchasing masa dough from a vendor, purchasing masa flour and mixing it with water, annatto (an optional yellow coloring), salt and rework to form the dough (block 200), or by purchasing raw corn and processing it to make the masa dough. If raw corn is purchased, the raw corn is cooked with lime and then steeped. The corn is then washed and ground into masa flour, which is then mixed with other ingredients to form the dough. The dough enters the sheeting machine, which forms raw masa tortillas (block 210). In one embodiment of the invention, the tortillas will have a thickness of less than 1.5 millimeters. In another embodiment of the invention, the tortillas will have a thickness of approximately 1.5 to 3.0 millimeters or greater. Also, while the present invention finds particular suitability for use in connection with the provision of corn or maize based masa flour, the skilled artisan will appreciate that the present invention finds usefulness in provision of wheat or wheat/corn blends based formed taco shells. - The raw masa tortillas can optionally then be flash baked, resulting in raw masa tortillas with toast marks (block 220) as well as a reduced moisture content so as to thereby minimize fat take-up during the subsequent frying step. The toasted still soft and flexible tortillas are then formed into self-standing taco shells having substantially flat bases (block 230).
- During the forming process, the tortillas are placed on molds and the tortillas conform to the molds (block 230). The molds can be a wire mesh mold, a wire cage mold, a combination wire mesh/cage mold, or a conventional mold having upper and lower plates. In either case, the molds are flat-bottomed and have cross-sectional elevations like the self-standing
taco shells 110 shown inFIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c and as discussed above. Like thetaco shells 110 illustrated inFIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c, the curved segments of the mold may have large, medium or small radii as discussed above. - The conformed tortillas are then fried and adopt the form of the molds (block 240). The tortillas exit the fryer as fried self-standing taco shells having substantially flat bases and a moisture content of less than about 6%. Optionally, the fried tacos can be partially defatted by oil draining and/or hot air oil removal. Since the formed tacos are still plastic or pliable for short periods while still hot immediately after frying, care should be taken to preserve the desired square bottomed shape. Oil is allowed to drain from the taco shells as they cool (block 250) and harden. In another embodiment, the tortillas are baked to a final moisture content of less than 6% to form low fat shaped rigid tacos. A number (e.g., 3-6) of the cooled hardened rigid taco shells are then nested (block 260) together into nested quantities and these nested quantities preferably provided with an intermediate spacer (not shown) and packaged (block 270) such as by providing one or more of the nested quantities onto a support board and then a film over wrap.
- Minimizing the formation of discontinuities (e.g., bubbles and voids) in a taco shell can be a challenge when commercially producing taco shells. Discontinuities in taco shells can be minimized by providing masa flour of the proper granulation, using the proper ratios of ingredients, maintaining the proper moisture level in the dough, baking and frying properly, and avoiding the use of taco shell molds having complex geometries. Because the flat-bottomed molds have simple geometric characteristics, the tortillas readily conform to the molds, minimizing the potential for the formation of destabilizing discontinuities, especially those at the
base 120 of theshell 110. - A method of using a self-standing
taco shell 110 having a substantiallyflat base 120 will now be described by referring to the process flow chart illustrated inFIG. 7 . Aflat preparation surface 112 is located (block 300). One or more self-standingtaco shells 110, having substantiallyflat bases 120 and characteristics as discussed above and illustrated inFIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c, are selected (block 310) and placed upright on the flat preparation surface 112 (block 320). Alternatively, one or more self-standingtaco shells 110, having substantiallyflat bases 120 and characteristics as discussed above and illustrated inFIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c, are selected (block 310) and simply held or supported in an upright position. Eachshell 110 is then filled with taco filling (e.g., lettuce, beans, cheese, cooked meat or poultry, sauce, sour cream, guacamole, or the like) (block 330). For example,FIG. 8 shows atray 400 that may be used in conjunction with thetaco shell 110 of the present invention to prepare tacos, store tacos, or present tacos to consumers. Thetray 400 has asurface 402 upon which ataco shell 110 can be placed. The tray also has astructure 404 that provides at least onesupport surface 406. Thesurfaces 402 can be sized by appropriately spacing thestructures 404 such that the support surfaces 406 further stabilize thetaco shell 110 when it is in a standing position. As such, while thetaco shell 110 is a stable, self-standing structure, depending on the environment, one or more support surfaces 406 may be used to further stabilize thetaco shell 110 during preparation of the tacos for storing tacos, or for presentation of the tacos for sale. - In one embodiment of the invention, the
taco shell 110 is reheated prior to being filled with heatable taco filling (i.e., meat, poultry or bean filling). In another embodiment, heatable filling is placed in thetaco shell 110 and then preheated. In another embodiment, an individual or machine fills one ormore taco shells 110 with heatable filling and then leaves the one or more tacos in an upright position for another individual to or machine to fill with other types of taco filling. Finally, in one embodiment, an individual or machine leaves one ormore taco shells 110 in an upright position for another individual or machine to fill with taco filling. - The self-standing
taco shell 110 makes it easier to prepare multiple tacos at the same time. This advantage is especially desirable in fast food, cafeteria and party environments where multiple tacos are being prepared at one time. - Still another advantage of the present tacos is that even if taco breakage occurs along either connection between flat base and sidewall, the flat base and remaining sidewall forms a ledge minimizing loss of the added fillings to allow for consumption completion with reduced mess.
- Also, another advantage of a taco made using the
taco shell 110 of the present invention may be presented for consumption in an upright and filled orientation. - Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/148,451 US20080193613A1 (en) | 2002-11-14 | 2008-04-18 | Square bottom taco shell |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2002/036474 WO2004043154A1 (en) | 2002-11-14 | 2002-11-14 | Square bottom taco shell |
US10/501,298 US20060147587A1 (en) | 2002-11-14 | 2002-11-14 | Square bottom taco shell |
US12/148,451 US20080193613A1 (en) | 2002-11-14 | 2008-04-18 | Square bottom taco shell |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2002/036474 Continuation WO2004043154A1 (en) | 2002-11-14 | 2002-11-14 | Square bottom taco shell |
US10/501,298 Continuation US20060147587A1 (en) | 2002-11-14 | 2002-11-14 | Square bottom taco shell |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080193613A1 true US20080193613A1 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
Family
ID=36640732
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/501,298 Abandoned US20060147587A1 (en) | 2002-11-14 | 2002-11-14 | Square bottom taco shell |
US12/148,451 Abandoned US20080193613A1 (en) | 2002-11-14 | 2008-04-18 | Square bottom taco shell |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/501,298 Abandoned US20060147587A1 (en) | 2002-11-14 | 2002-11-14 | Square bottom taco shell |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20060147587A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD735966S1 (en) * | 2014-01-06 | 2015-08-11 | Conagra Foods Rdm, Inc. | Food product |
USD754416S1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2016-04-26 | General Mills, Inc. | Shaped tortilla |
USD770243S1 (en) * | 2014-09-17 | 2016-11-01 | John Carlos Esquivel | Taco shaper |
USD774273S1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2016-12-20 | General Mills, Inc. | Shaped tortilla |
USD779151S1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2017-02-21 | General Mills, Inc. | Shaped tortilla |
USD799151S1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2017-10-10 | General Mills, Inc. | Shaped tortilla |
USD901252S1 (en) * | 2017-11-08 | 2020-11-10 | Ut Brands, Llc | Snack holder |
USD963422S1 (en) * | 2020-02-19 | 2022-09-13 | Ut Brands Llc | Food holder |
US20230276969A1 (en) * | 2022-03-03 | 2023-09-07 | Freshlink Product Development, Llc | Food holder |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2061332A4 (en) * | 2006-09-12 | 2010-09-29 | Gruma Oceania Pty Ltd | Curved bottom taco shell |
WO2008109827A2 (en) * | 2007-03-07 | 2008-09-12 | General Mills Marketing, Inc. | Flavored taco shells |
US20100272863A1 (en) | 2009-04-24 | 2010-10-28 | Griebel Jonathan M | Soft shaped tortillas |
US20110256275A1 (en) * | 2009-07-15 | 2011-10-20 | Gillig John P | Edible taco style food shell |
USD699517S1 (en) | 2012-03-21 | 2014-02-18 | Michael Ong | Multi-compartment food preparation container |
US9820609B2 (en) * | 2012-07-06 | 2017-11-21 | The Fast Family Trust | Waffle iron plate |
CA2927568C (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2018-07-03 | General Mills, Inc. | Oil removal from food surface |
USD850056S1 (en) * | 2018-02-27 | 2019-06-04 | General Mills, Inc. | Low wall taco |
USD876424S1 (en) * | 2018-06-14 | 2020-02-25 | Tara Kathleen Ryan | Wall cell phone holder |
US11076629B2 (en) * | 2018-09-03 | 2021-08-03 | Mi Taco Stand, Llc | Shell form and method of use |
USD901984S1 (en) * | 2019-04-15 | 2020-11-17 | Péter-Miklós Lakatos | Burger holder |
US11998018B2 (en) | 2021-06-04 | 2024-06-04 | General Mills, Inc. | Hard taco shell and method for producing the hard taco shell |
Citations (42)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1529670A (en) * | 1922-09-15 | 1925-03-17 | Cashiel F Pritchard | Container for food products |
US1552671A (en) * | 1924-07-21 | 1925-09-08 | Bellocchio John | Ice-cream package |
US1816283A (en) * | 1928-11-12 | 1931-07-28 | Delbert G Holibaugh | Food article |
US1842576A (en) * | 1931-02-24 | 1932-01-26 | Fountain Products Corp | Method of preparing buns for sandwiches |
US2120710A (en) * | 1937-02-18 | 1938-06-14 | Arthur D Nieding | Edible container |
US2664812A (en) * | 1951-05-10 | 1954-01-05 | Molina Gilberto | Mold for frying tacos wrappers |
US2892719A (en) * | 1956-09-21 | 1959-06-30 | Lynn John | Sandwich holder |
US3290154A (en) * | 1964-05-13 | 1966-12-06 | Turner Wesley | Edible baked cup-shaped product and method for making same |
US3341167A (en) * | 1964-05-13 | 1967-09-12 | William C Weiss | Frankfurter bun baking receptacle |
US3541587A (en) * | 1968-05-23 | 1970-11-17 | Keebler Co | Composition for producing molded high sugar containers for frozen comestibles |
US3653337A (en) * | 1970-02-26 | 1972-04-04 | Roger H Hanson | Food cooking apparatus |
US3908022A (en) * | 1970-04-22 | 1975-09-23 | George L Selleck | Non-saturable bun |
US4018905A (en) * | 1976-03-12 | 1977-04-19 | Hoerner Waldorf Corporation | Taco package |
US4055670A (en) * | 1976-09-30 | 1977-10-25 | Rjr Foods, Inc. | Package for storing and transporting tortillas or tacos |
USD251396S (en) * | 1977-06-21 | 1979-03-27 | Hutchinson James H | Taco shell |
US4214517A (en) * | 1978-03-03 | 1980-07-29 | Caldwell Oscar D | Bread cooking device |
US4250091A (en) * | 1974-01-30 | 1981-02-10 | Antonino Condo | Water-soluble disazo dyestuff derived from 4,4-diaminobenzanilide |
US4251554A (en) * | 1979-06-06 | 1981-02-17 | Baisden C Robert | Edible food container and mold for forming same |
USD277234S (en) * | 1984-01-06 | 1985-01-22 | Maryland Cup Corporation | Molded edible container |
USD278199S (en) * | 1982-09-30 | 1985-04-02 | Richards Norman L | Taco holder or the like |
USD282338S (en) * | 1982-06-01 | 1986-01-28 | Putt Arthur G | Taco holder |
US4573579A (en) * | 1983-08-23 | 1986-03-04 | International Paper Company | Taco tray |
US4896820A (en) * | 1989-03-16 | 1990-01-30 | Idea Resources Corporation | Holder for tacos or the like |
US4919946A (en) * | 1989-06-26 | 1990-04-24 | Pak Tong S | Edible food product |
US5002783A (en) * | 1989-09-18 | 1991-03-26 | Ruiz Mark R | Edible food product |
USD316622S (en) * | 1988-06-13 | 1991-05-07 | Popiel Jerry L | Edible pastry shell |
USD324603S (en) * | 1989-06-26 | 1992-03-17 | Valley Grain Products, Inc. | Taco shell |
USD335758S (en) * | 1990-09-17 | 1993-05-25 | Stickle John S | Taco shell |
US5223286A (en) * | 1989-12-29 | 1993-06-29 | Selbak's Cookie Cones, Inc. | Edible, hand held containers made of cookie dough and method and apparatus for making the same |
US5236727A (en) * | 1991-11-14 | 1993-08-17 | Roy Huston | Taco shell |
USD339899S (en) * | 1990-11-15 | 1993-10-05 | Pietro's Corporation | Pizza crust |
US5298273A (en) * | 1992-07-10 | 1994-03-29 | Sadaharu Ito | Method of producing an edible container |
US5567455A (en) * | 1994-09-01 | 1996-10-22 | Alsbrook, Sr.; William N. | Salad sandwich and method of making |
USD376893S (en) * | 1995-02-08 | 1996-12-31 | Gornet Timothy J | Tortilla shell |
USD377257S (en) * | 1996-01-31 | 1997-01-14 | Calvin Charles A | Vertical, free-standing hot dog bun |
US5709898A (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 1998-01-20 | Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream, Division Of Conopco Inc. | Process for the manufacture of a food product |
USD393136S (en) * | 1996-08-26 | 1998-04-07 | Gornet Timothy J | Tortilla shell |
US5897900A (en) * | 1996-06-04 | 1999-04-27 | Groulx; Line | Edible bun having a compartmented central recess |
US5993871A (en) * | 1998-03-17 | 1999-11-30 | Beehler; Elden D. | Stable, self-supporting taco shell |
US5997921A (en) * | 1998-02-26 | 1999-12-07 | Tirillo; Anthony | Taco shell blank |
US20010043973A1 (en) * | 1999-08-16 | 2001-11-22 | Friedrich Keck | Hard shell baking cups |
US7008655B1 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2006-03-07 | Artos International Limited | Process for making a baked cup shaped food product |
-
2002
- 2002-11-14 US US10/501,298 patent/US20060147587A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2008
- 2008-04-18 US US12/148,451 patent/US20080193613A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (42)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1529670A (en) * | 1922-09-15 | 1925-03-17 | Cashiel F Pritchard | Container for food products |
US1552671A (en) * | 1924-07-21 | 1925-09-08 | Bellocchio John | Ice-cream package |
US1816283A (en) * | 1928-11-12 | 1931-07-28 | Delbert G Holibaugh | Food article |
US1842576A (en) * | 1931-02-24 | 1932-01-26 | Fountain Products Corp | Method of preparing buns for sandwiches |
US2120710A (en) * | 1937-02-18 | 1938-06-14 | Arthur D Nieding | Edible container |
US2664812A (en) * | 1951-05-10 | 1954-01-05 | Molina Gilberto | Mold for frying tacos wrappers |
US2892719A (en) * | 1956-09-21 | 1959-06-30 | Lynn John | Sandwich holder |
US3341167A (en) * | 1964-05-13 | 1967-09-12 | William C Weiss | Frankfurter bun baking receptacle |
US3290154A (en) * | 1964-05-13 | 1966-12-06 | Turner Wesley | Edible baked cup-shaped product and method for making same |
US3541587A (en) * | 1968-05-23 | 1970-11-17 | Keebler Co | Composition for producing molded high sugar containers for frozen comestibles |
US3653337A (en) * | 1970-02-26 | 1972-04-04 | Roger H Hanson | Food cooking apparatus |
US3908022A (en) * | 1970-04-22 | 1975-09-23 | George L Selleck | Non-saturable bun |
US4250091A (en) * | 1974-01-30 | 1981-02-10 | Antonino Condo | Water-soluble disazo dyestuff derived from 4,4-diaminobenzanilide |
US4018905A (en) * | 1976-03-12 | 1977-04-19 | Hoerner Waldorf Corporation | Taco package |
US4055670A (en) * | 1976-09-30 | 1977-10-25 | Rjr Foods, Inc. | Package for storing and transporting tortillas or tacos |
USD251396S (en) * | 1977-06-21 | 1979-03-27 | Hutchinson James H | Taco shell |
US4214517A (en) * | 1978-03-03 | 1980-07-29 | Caldwell Oscar D | Bread cooking device |
US4251554A (en) * | 1979-06-06 | 1981-02-17 | Baisden C Robert | Edible food container and mold for forming same |
USD282338S (en) * | 1982-06-01 | 1986-01-28 | Putt Arthur G | Taco holder |
USD278199S (en) * | 1982-09-30 | 1985-04-02 | Richards Norman L | Taco holder or the like |
US4573579A (en) * | 1983-08-23 | 1986-03-04 | International Paper Company | Taco tray |
USD277234S (en) * | 1984-01-06 | 1985-01-22 | Maryland Cup Corporation | Molded edible container |
USD316622S (en) * | 1988-06-13 | 1991-05-07 | Popiel Jerry L | Edible pastry shell |
US4896820A (en) * | 1989-03-16 | 1990-01-30 | Idea Resources Corporation | Holder for tacos or the like |
US4919946A (en) * | 1989-06-26 | 1990-04-24 | Pak Tong S | Edible food product |
USD324603S (en) * | 1989-06-26 | 1992-03-17 | Valley Grain Products, Inc. | Taco shell |
US5002783A (en) * | 1989-09-18 | 1991-03-26 | Ruiz Mark R | Edible food product |
US5223286A (en) * | 1989-12-29 | 1993-06-29 | Selbak's Cookie Cones, Inc. | Edible, hand held containers made of cookie dough and method and apparatus for making the same |
USD335758S (en) * | 1990-09-17 | 1993-05-25 | Stickle John S | Taco shell |
USD339899S (en) * | 1990-11-15 | 1993-10-05 | Pietro's Corporation | Pizza crust |
US5236727A (en) * | 1991-11-14 | 1993-08-17 | Roy Huston | Taco shell |
US5298273A (en) * | 1992-07-10 | 1994-03-29 | Sadaharu Ito | Method of producing an edible container |
US5567455A (en) * | 1994-09-01 | 1996-10-22 | Alsbrook, Sr.; William N. | Salad sandwich and method of making |
USD376893S (en) * | 1995-02-08 | 1996-12-31 | Gornet Timothy J | Tortilla shell |
US5709898A (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 1998-01-20 | Good Humor-Breyers Ice Cream, Division Of Conopco Inc. | Process for the manufacture of a food product |
USD377257S (en) * | 1996-01-31 | 1997-01-14 | Calvin Charles A | Vertical, free-standing hot dog bun |
US5897900A (en) * | 1996-06-04 | 1999-04-27 | Groulx; Line | Edible bun having a compartmented central recess |
USD393136S (en) * | 1996-08-26 | 1998-04-07 | Gornet Timothy J | Tortilla shell |
US5997921A (en) * | 1998-02-26 | 1999-12-07 | Tirillo; Anthony | Taco shell blank |
US5993871A (en) * | 1998-03-17 | 1999-11-30 | Beehler; Elden D. | Stable, self-supporting taco shell |
US7008655B1 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2006-03-07 | Artos International Limited | Process for making a baked cup shaped food product |
US20010043973A1 (en) * | 1999-08-16 | 2001-11-22 | Friedrich Keck | Hard shell baking cups |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD754416S1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2016-04-26 | General Mills, Inc. | Shaped tortilla |
USD759342S1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2016-06-21 | General Mills, Inc. | Shaped tortilla |
USD774273S1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2016-12-20 | General Mills, Inc. | Shaped tortilla |
USD779151S1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2017-02-21 | General Mills, Inc. | Shaped tortilla |
USD779152S1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2017-02-21 | General Mills, Inc. | Shaped tortilla |
USD799151S1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2017-10-10 | General Mills, Inc. | Shaped tortilla |
USD800990S1 (en) | 2013-12-13 | 2017-10-31 | General Mills, Inc. | Shaped tortilla |
USD735966S1 (en) * | 2014-01-06 | 2015-08-11 | Conagra Foods Rdm, Inc. | Food product |
USD770243S1 (en) * | 2014-09-17 | 2016-11-01 | John Carlos Esquivel | Taco shaper |
USD901252S1 (en) * | 2017-11-08 | 2020-11-10 | Ut Brands, Llc | Snack holder |
USD963422S1 (en) * | 2020-02-19 | 2022-09-13 | Ut Brands Llc | Food holder |
US20230276969A1 (en) * | 2022-03-03 | 2023-09-07 | Freshlink Product Development, Llc | Food holder |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20060147587A1 (en) | 2006-07-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20080193613A1 (en) | Square bottom taco shell | |
US11246316B2 (en) | Soft shaped tortillas | |
US7565864B2 (en) | Food tray insert for holding tacos | |
US20170258098A1 (en) | Oval, Cone Shaped Edible Container for Food Items | |
WO2016199882A1 (en) | Frozen dumpling and production method therefor, container for frozen dumpling, and packaging for frozen dumpling | |
US20080220144A1 (en) | Flavored taco shells | |
CA2491804C (en) | Square bottom taco shell | |
AU2006100568A4 (en) | Square bottom taco shell | |
JP2003000204A (en) | Trayed frozen jiaozi | |
NZ534470A (en) | Square bottom taco shell | |
US20140154395A1 (en) | Crunchy egg product and manufacturing apparatus and process | |
WO2007138620A1 (en) | Foodstuff | |
JP6890986B2 (en) | Cooked frozen food | |
Schuett | Low protein cookery for phenylketonuria | |
AU2013204375B2 (en) | Soft shaped tortillas | |
US20230018909A1 (en) | Container Lid | |
PT1574137E (en) | A process for the production of crackers | |
US20120138603A1 (en) | Variable geometry tortilla cooking apparatus | |
JPH0452750B2 (en) | ||
Grunes et al. | Diabetes Snacks, Treats, & Easy Eats for Kids: 150 Recipes for the Foods Kids Really Like to Eat | |
JPH02219550A (en) | Formed rice for piza | |
Morgan | The Everyday Art of Gluten-Free: 125 Savory and Sweet Recipes Using 6 Fail-Proof Flour Blends | |
CA2975146A1 (en) | Handheld perogies and methods of their preparation | |
Diet | Gluten Free? | |
KR20150024523A (en) | cheese stick with sun dae |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL MILLS IP HOLDINGS II, LLC, MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL MILLS CEREALS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:029926/0505 Effective date: 20120530 Owner name: GENERAL MILLS, INC., MINNESOTA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GENERAL MILLS IP HOLDINGS II, LLC;REEL/FRAME:029835/0843 Effective date: 20120601 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |